Lawsuit fears contribute to extra hospital tests

Chicago – ER doctors suggest overtesting is largely due to fears about lawsuits. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), some emergency room doctors state that pressures arise for many pertaining to the threat of malpractice lawsuits, which often leads to patients being overtreated, or the use of unnecessary testing.

Dr. Jeffrey Kline, an emergency physician at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., is quoted in the report as stating of the issue, “It takes time to explain pros and cons. Doctors like to check a box that orders a CT scan and go on to the next patient.”

Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, is further quoted as stating, “Our society puts more weight on technology than on physical exams…in other words, why would you believe a doctor who only examines you when you can get an X-ray that can tell something for sure?”